Cheap Flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates from South Africa

Overview: Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for South African travellers, and finding a good fare is easier when you compare your options in one place. Direct flights from Johannesburg reach Dubai in around eight hours, with one-stop options from Cape Town, Durban and other cities. Emirates flies the route non-stop alongside a range of full-service and connecting carriers, so there is a fare and a schedule to suit most budgets. This page covers the airlines that fly to Dubai from South Africa, how long the journey takes, when fares are cheapest, which airport you will land at and how to book.

Why Do So Many South Africans Fly to Dubai?

Dubai has become a firm favourite with South African travellers, and it is easy to see why. It combines guaranteed winter sun, world-class shopping, striking modern architecture and a long list of attractions into a single, easy-to-reach destination, all within a comfortable flying distance and only two hours ahead of South African time, so there is no real jet lag to contend with.

The city works as a holiday in its own right and as a stopover on the way to Asia, Europe or the Far East. Families are drawn by the theme parks, water parks and beaches; couples by the restaurants, desert escapes and luxury hotels; and shoppers by the malls and the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. English is widely spoken, the city is very safe, and there is a large South African community, all of which makes a first visit straightforward. For many travellers the deciding factor is value: with the right fare and a well-timed trip, Dubai delivers a great deal of holiday for the money.

Which Airlines Fly to Dubai from South Africa?

Several airlines connect South Africa with Dubai, ranging from non-stop full-service flights to more affordable one-stop options. The best choice depends on whether you are prioritising journey time, budget or a particular loyalty programme.

• Emirates - The Dubai flag carrier flies non-stop from Johannesburg and Cape Town to its hub at Dubai International, offering the fastest journeys and a premium full-service experience. It is often the first choice for travellers who want a direct flight and the convenience of a single airline.
• flydubai - Emirates' sister low-cost carrier serves the region and connects through Dubai, offering more affordable fares for budget-conscious travellers, with the option to combine flights with Emirates on a single booking.
• Qatar Airways - A leading one-stop option via Doha, pairing competitive fares with a highly rated onboard experience, and a strong choice when a connection suits your budget or schedule better than a direct flight.
• Other connecting carriers - Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offer one-stop routings to Dubai via their own hubs, which can open up lower fares or more convenient departure times from different South African cities.

Because the mix of airlines, fares and schedules changes through the year, comparing the options side by side is the best way to find the combination of price and convenience that works for your trip.

What Traveller Flexibility Does Emirates Offer on Flights to Dubai?

Emirates is one of the main carriers flying South Africans to Dubai, and it has introduced a set of measures aimed at giving travellers more flexibility and greater peace of mind, from the moment they book to the moment they arrive. If you are choosing Emirates for your flight to Dubai, these are worth knowing about.

• Free date changes to Dubai - On eligible fares, customers travelling to Dubai can change their travel dates free of charge, from the more affordable fares through to the more flexible ones, in both Economy and Business Class. Any applicable difference in fare may still apply, but the change fee itself is waived on qualifying Dubai bookings.
• One free date change across the network - For travel elsewhere on the Emirates network, customers receive one free date change, including on journeys connecting through Dubai, subject to the applicable conditions and any difference in fare. Emirates also lets you hold a fare for 24 hours at no charge while you finalise your plans.
• Reduced refund fees on eligible fares - Emirates has substantially reduced its refund fees on eligible fares for flights to Dubai, so you can adjust or step away from a booking with a smaller penalty than before. This is a reduction in fees rather than a free refund, and the amount depends on your fare type.
• Comprehensive Travel Cover - Emirates offers an industry-first insurance product whose benefits include cover for trip cancellation, baggage delay and loss, medical expenses and emergency evacuation, along with added conflict cover and a free trip extension of up to 30 days. It can be purchased when you book or added to an existing booking through Manage Booking.
• More rewards for eligible Skywards members - Eligible Emirates Skywards members can benefit from additional rewards, reaching the next tier sooner through reduced tier requirements and earning bonus Tier Miles and Skywards Miles on qualifying Emirates and flydubai flights. Eligibility conditions apply.

These measures make Emirates a flexible choice for flights to Dubai, particularly for travellers who value the freedom to adjust their plans. Eligibility, fare conditions and the finer details vary by fare type and can change, so confirm the current terms that apply to your booking at the time of booking.

How Long Is the Flight from South Africa to Dubai?

The journey time depends on your departure city and whether you fly direct. A non-stop flight from Johannesburg to Dubai takes around eight hours, making it one of the most convenient long-haul routes from South Africa. Non-stop flights from Cape Town take a little longer at roughly nine hours, given the greater distance. From Durban and other cities, most routings involve a connection, either through Johannesburg or through a hub such as Doha, Addis Ababa or Istanbul, which adds to the total travel time but can reduce the fare. With Dubai only two hours ahead of South Africa, arrival times are comfortable and there is little to no jet lag, so you can start your trip fresh.

When Are Flights to Dubai Cheapest?

Fares to Dubai move with demand, and a little flexibility can make a real difference to the price. As a general guide, the following patterns are worth keeping in mind:

• Cheapest seasons - The hotter months from roughly May to September usually bring the lowest fares, as this is Dubai's low season, though the city's indoor attractions and hotels are built for the heat.
• Peak periods - Fares rise over the cooler months from November to March, when the weather is at its best, and around South African school holidays, Christmas, New Year and major Dubai events, so book well ahead for these dates.
• Book early - Securing your seats a few months in advance generally gives the best combination of price and choice, particularly for direct flights and popular travel dates.
• Stay flexible - Travelling midweek rather than at the weekend, and being open on your exact dates, often opens up noticeably lower fares.

Comparing fares across airlines and dates is the surest way to find the best price, and a one-stop routing will often undercut a direct flight if your schedule allows.

Which Airport Will You Land At in Dubai?

Dubai has two international airports, and it is worth knowing which one your flight uses. The great majority of passenger flights, including Emirates and most full-service carriers, use Dubai International Airport (DXB), which sits close to the city and is one of the busiest airports in the world. Dubai's second airport, Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai South, is currently used mainly by a smaller number of low-cost and charter airlines and lies further from the city centre. Most travellers flying from South Africa will arrive at DXB, but always check your ticket so you know which airport you are landing at and can plan your transfer accordingly.

What Is There to Do in Dubai?

Dubai packs an enormous amount into a compact, easy-to-navigate city. The headline sights include the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the Dubai Fountain at its feet; the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates for shopping; and the Palm Jumeirah with its beaches and resorts. For families, there are theme parks, water parks and the aquarium; for a taste of tradition, the old quarter of Al Fahidi, the gold and spice souks and an abra ride across Dubai Creek. Beyond the city, a desert safari with dune driving, camels and a Bedouin-style dinner is a highlight for many, and day trips to Abu Dhabi are easily arranged. Whatever kind of holiday you are after, Dubai has an attraction to match it.

How Do You Book Cheap Flights to Dubai with Travelwings?

Booking your flight to Dubai with Travelwings is simple. Search and compare fares across airlines on our website, choose the flight that suits your budget and dates, and book securely online, or speak to the team for help finding the best option. Call +27 12 006 0002 or email sa.care@travelwings.com to book or to ask about fares, routings and travel dates. The team can compare direct and one-stop options, advise on the best time to travel and help with group bookings for families or friends travelling together. If you are also planning your stay, our Cape Town to Dubai flight deals set out the route in more detail for travellers departing from the Cape.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cheap Flights to Dubai from South Africa

1. How long is the flight from South Africa to Dubai?

A non-stop flight from Johannesburg takes around eight hours, and from Cape Town roughly nine hours. One-stop routings via a hub such as Doha or Addis Ababa take longer but can be cheaper. Dubai is two hours ahead of South Africa, so there is little jet lag.

2. Which airlines fly to Dubai from South Africa?

Emirates flies non-stop from Johannesburg and Cape Town, while flydubai, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offer non-stop or one-stop options. Comparing them is the best way to find the right balance of price and journey time.

3. When are flights to Dubai cheapest?

Fares are generally lowest in Dubai's hotter low season, from around May to September. They rise over the cooler months from November to March and around school holidays and festive periods, so booking early for those dates helps.

4. Which airport in Dubai will I fly into?

Most flights from South Africa, including Emirates, land at Dubai International Airport (DXB), close to the city. A smaller number of low-cost and charter flights use Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai South. Always check your ticket for the airport code.

5. Do South Africans need a visa for Dubai?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and passport. Many visitors can obtain a UAE visa in advance or on arrival, but you should confirm the current requirements for your passport before you travel and ensure it has sufficient validity.

6. Are direct flights or connecting flights better?

Direct flights are faster and more convenient, while one-stop routings via a hub can be cheaper. The best choice depends on your budget and how much the shorter journey time matters to you.

7. How far in advance should I book?

Booking a few months ahead usually gives the best combination of price and choice, especially for direct flights and popular travel dates such as school holidays and the festive season.

8. Can I book flights and a hotel together?

Yes. Along with flights, the team can help with hotels, transfers and holiday packages to Dubai, so you can arrange the whole trip in one place. Contact them with your dates and preferences.

9. Is Dubai a good stopover destination?

Yes. Dubai is one of the world's major transit hubs and makes an excellent stopover on the way to Asia, Europe or the Far East, with many travellers adding a few days in the city to break up a longer journey.

10. How do I book cheap flights to Dubai?

Compare fares on the Travelwings website and book online, or call +27 12 006 0002 or email sa.care@travelwings.com, and the team will help you find and book the best flight for your budget and dates.